Game apparatus and game

ABSTRACT

A set of playing tokens ( 2, 8, 13, 14, 16 ) includes a numeric sub-set of playing tokens ( 2, 8 ). Each numeric token ( 2, 8 ) indicates a first numeric value, wherein a second numeric value is derived from the digit or digits which represent that first numeric value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/531,169 filed Jan. 22, 2010, which is a National Phase ofPCT/AU2008/000347 filed Mar. 13, 2008, which claims priority toAustralian Application No. 2007901280 filed Mar. 13, 2007, thedisclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to “card games” and the like that may beplayed with tokens which indicate values.

In some embodiments of the invention, such tokens are implemented in aform of tangible items similar to traditional playing cards and in otherembodiments of the invention such tokens are implemented in electronicform. Throughout this specification, including the claims:

the word “token” is used to include any form of token, be it hard-copy,electronic, or other form, which is capable of indicating at least onevalue that is attributable to that token and which is perceivable onthat token by use of at least one human sense;

the word “perceivable” is used to include all manners in which aphenomenon is perceivable by use of the human senses, be it by vision,hearing or touch (including by using Braille); and

the phrase “numeric value” is used to include any form of numeric valuedenoted by characters known variously as digits, numerals or numbers, beit that the characters that indicate the numeric value are Europeannumerals, Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, Chinese characters, or otherforms, which are capable of denoting a numeric value.

BACKGROUND

Packs of playing cards, comprising fifty-two cards each denoting adifferent value of one of four common suits (clubs, diamonds, hearts andspades) have a long and ancient history. There are many traditional cardgames which can be played with such a standard pack of playing cards.However, in general, a standard pack of playing cards can be used onlyin games in which utilize either, or both of:

the ranking of a card within a suit, from “1”, i.e. “ace”, to “10”, thenthrough the royal cards of “jack”, “queen” and “king”; and [0008] the“suit” of a card;

In contrast, the present invention aims at providing tokens withdifferent markings which can be used in games in ways which differ fromthe standard pack of playing cards.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the present invention accordingly provides a set ofplaying tokens comprising:

a numeric sub-set of playing tokens, each member of which sub-setindicates a first numeric value, wherein a second numeric value can bederived from the digits which represent that first numeric value.

It is preferred that each member of the numeric sub-set of tokensadditionally indicates the second numeric value of that playing token.

It is preferred that the numeric sub-set of playing tokens furthercomprises tokens each of which indicates a single first numeric valuewhich is in the range of from “10” to “99” inclusive. In this case it ispreferred that no two tokens in the numeric sub-set indicate the samefirst numeric value. It is particularly preferred that there are 90tokens in the numeric sub-set of tokens.

It is preferred that the numeric sub-set of playing tokens furthercomprises a token which indicates the first numeric value of “100”.

It is preferred that the second numeric value is the last digit of thefirst numeric value. Alternatively, it is preferred that the secondnumeric value is the sum of at least two of the digits of the firstnumeric value.

It is preferred that the set of playing tokens comprises a furthersub-set of playing tokens, each member of which further sub-setindicates a first numeric value which is in the range of from “0” to “9”inclusive.

It is preferred that the set of playing tokens further comprises anoperator sub-set of playing tokens, each member of which operatorsub-set indicates a mathematical operator.

It is preferred that the mathematical operator indicated on a member ofthe operator sub-set of tokens is chosen from the group consisting of:“+” [addition], “−” [subtraction]; “×” [multiplication]; “+” [division];“=” [equality]; “%” [percentage]; “(” [left parenthesis], and “)” [rightparenthesis].

It is preferred that the set of playing tokens further comprises a“luck” sub-set of cards, each of which cards in the “luck” sub-setcarries an indicator which traditionally signifies luck. It isparticularly preferred that there are three cards in the luck sub-set ofcards.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a game played by atleast one player, using a set of tokens, the set of tokens comprising:

a sub-set of numeric tokens, each of which numeric tokens indicates afirst numeric value, from which first numeric value a second numericvalue can be derived,

the game comprising the at least one player making at least one decisionin the course of the game, that at least one decision depending on atleast one of:

the first numeric value of at least one of the tokens of the set oftokens; and

the second numeric value of at least one of the tokens of the set oftokens.

It is preferred that the game further comprises the step of the playerderiving the second numeric value from the first numeric value in orderto make the at least one decision. Alternatively, it is preferred thateach member of the numeric sub-set of tokens additionally indicates thesecond numeric value of that playing token.

It is preferred that the numeric sub-set of playing tokens furthercomprises tokens each of which indicates a single first numeric valuewhich is in the range of from “10” to “99” inclusive. It is particularlypreferred that there are 90 tokens in the numeric sub-set of tokens.

It is preferred that the numeric sub-set of playing tokens furthercomprises a token which indicates the first numeric value of “100”.

It is preferred that the second numeric value is the last digit of thefirst numeric value. Alternatively, it is preferred that the secondnumeric value is the sum of at least two of the digits of the firstnumeric value.

It is preferred that the set of tokens further comprises a furthersub-set of playing tokens, each member of which further sub-setindicates a first numeric value which is in the range of from “0” to “9”inclusive.

It is preferred that the set of tokens further comprises an operatorsub-set of playing tokens, each member of which operator sub-setindicates a mathematical operator.

It is preferred that the mathematical operator indicated on a member ofthe operator sub-set of tokens is chosen from the group consisting of:“+” [addition]; “−” [subtraction]; “×” [multiplication]; “+” [division];“=” [equality]; “%” [percentage]; “(” [left parenthesis], and “)” [rightparenthesis].

It is preferred that the set of tokens further comprises a “luck”sub-set of tokens, each of which tokens in the “luck” sub-set carries anindicator which traditionally signifies luck. It is particularlypreferred that there are three cards in the luck sub-set of tokens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following drawings in which FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustratefaces of tokens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

A set of tokens according to one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

According to the embodiment which is illustrated in these figures, a setof tokens comprises 101 numeric tokens, each of which indicates a firstnumeric value, being one of the numbers “0” to “100”. According to thisembodiment of the inventions, the tokens are each playing cards similarto traditional playing cards. Each card is made from thin, but strongand flexible, cardboard with various indicia printed on it. As withtraditional playing cards, one surface of the card is printed with aneutral pattern which does not reveal the contents of the other side ofthe card.

This first numeric value is indicated (with reference to the tokenreferenced by the reference number 2 in FIG. 1) centrally such as thenumber “0”, indicated by the reference number 3. This first numericvalue is printed in large font and centrally placed on one side of thecard 2. The first numeric value is also printed, in smaller font, at 4in the corner of the card 2 that is at the top left in FIG. 1.

In the card 8, the first numeric value “96” is indicated by referencenumber 9. This first numeric value is also printed at the 11 in thecorner of the card 8 that is at the top left in FIG. 2.

A second numeric value is also placed on each of the 101 cards accordingto the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the secondnumeric value is the last digit of the first numeric value. This secondnumeric value is printed on the face of the card, at the cornerdiagonally opposite the corner at which the first numeric value isprinted. On the card 2 in FIG. 1, the second numeric value appears at 6.In the card 8 of FIG. 2, the second numeric value “9” of that card isprinted at 12 on that card. To avoid ambiguity between the digit “6” andthe digit “9”, the digit “6” on card 8 is printed with an underscorebeneath it to indicate the correct orientation of the digit.

The set of playing cards according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3also comprises three “luck” cards which are indicated at 13, 14 and 16in FIG. 2. Each of these “luck” cards carries a “luck” symbol, indicatedat 17, 18 and 19 respectively in FIG. 2.

The set of playing cards according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2also comprises 8 numeric operator cards, as is illustrated in FIG. 2.Each of these numeric operator cards carries a numeric operator, namely,one of: “+” [addition]; “−” [subtraction]; “×” [multiplication]; “/”[division]; “=” [equality]; “%” [percentage]; “(” [left parenthesis],and “)” [right parenthesis].

A further preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 2 of the drawings differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2 only in that the second numeric value of each card is derived byaddition of the digits of the its numeric value.

Below sets out a set of rules which is appropriate to modified forms ofpoker which exploit features of playing cards according to embodimentsof the present invention.

Cards

With regard to cards, when using a full deck, use cards 0-69 & 3×wilds(1-8 decks). When using an expanded deck, use cards 0-100 & 3×wilds (1-6decks). Wilds may be substituted for any number. Poker can be playedwith or without wilds.

Number Selection on Cards

Players can use either the “LARGE” number or the “SMALL” (derived)number on each individual card but NOT both (use either the 16, e.g. 16,17, 18, 19, 20; or the 7, e.g. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11).

Community Cards

Players can use either the “LARGE” number or the “SMALL” (derived)number on each individual community card. Community cards always remainout front and not to be touched.

Object of the Game

The object of the game is to create the best five-card hand possible,using any combination of the five cards in your hand (hole cards) andthe three community cards out the front. See Rankings below.

Method of Play

Betting option: Players “anti-up”, by placing a big and small blindrespectively. Shuffle the deck. Five cards are dealt “face down” to eachplayer, one at a time in a clockwise direction. Three community cardsare then dealt “face up” and placed in the middle for all to see anduse, if required. Community cards always remain out front and not to betouched. The dealer announces the community cards. Players then pick-upand sort their cards, using any combination of the five cards in theirhand with the three community cards out the front to create the bestfive-card hand possible. See Rankings below.

Betting option: Players CHECK, CALL, RAISE or FOLD.

Discards

Players have one chance to improve their hands by being able to throwback a maximum of two cards only. The dealer, then deals back out toeach player the same number of cards as they have discarded.

Note: Players should have five cards only in their hands after receivingreplacements.

Players then re-sort and combine the five cards in their hand, with thethree community cards out the front to create the best five-card handpossible. See Rankings below.

Betting option: Players CHECK, CALL, RAISE or FOLD.

Once all betting is completed, the remaining hands are shown, and thewinner is determined by Rankings below. If two or more players haveidentical winning hands. The player with the highest numbered card intheir hand WINS. Excluding wilds and community cards

Poker Rankings

(See poker ranking explanations below.)

The Poker Rankings are: Golden fu, Royal fu, High Straight, 5 of A Kind,Decade Flush, 4 of A Kind, Full House, Low Straight, 3 of A Kind, 2Pair, High Card

Poker Ranking Explanations

There are seven special “GOLDEN” cards: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 (LargeNumbers, with a Golden number in the top left hand corner).

Golden fu: Golden numbers in order (eg: 0, 10*, 20, 30, 40; eg: 20, 30,(wild/40), 50, 60). 10*=Large 10 (Golden 10 in the top left hand corner)

Royal fu: Golden numbers not in order and/or using a derived 10** (eg:0, 30, 40, 50, 60; eg: 0, 10**, 20, 30, 40 (10**=Any derived 10)

High Straight: Large Numbers Only. Five LARGE numbers in a row (eg: 29,30, 31, 32, 33)

5 of A Kind: Mix of Large & Small Numbers (eg: 8, 8, 8, 8, 8; 8, 17/8,26/8, 44/8, 62/8)

Decade Flush: Large Numbers Only (eg: 40, 42, 43, 46, 49)

Five Mixed Numbers In each Decade: (0-9; 10-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49;50-59; 60-69)

4 of A Kind: (eg: 7, 7, 7, 7; 7, 16/7, 25/7, 34/7)

Full House: 3 of A Kind+A Pair (eg: 10, 10, 10+15, 15; 10, 37/10,46/10+15, 69/15)

Low Straight: Mix of Large & Small Numbers (eg: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 2, 12/3,40/4, 14/5, 6)

3 of A Kind: (eg: 9, 9, 9; 9, fu wild/9, 27/9)

2 Pair: (eg: 8, 8+14,14; 26/8, 35/8+59/14, 68/14)

Pair: (eg: 10,10; 28/10, 46/10)

High Card: Large Numbers Only; Highest LARGE Number.

Examples of Other Poker Rankings

Denominator Straight: Large Numbers Only (eg: 5, 15, 25, 35, 45) whichare five numbers with an identical last denominator, occurring in order.

Denominator Flush: Large Numbers Only (eg: 5, 35, 45, 55, 65) which arefive numbers with identical last denominator, not occurring in order.

Ranking Note: Ranking order may differ depending on rules and gamesselected.

Important Notes

Many different styles of Poker and other games can be played. Thisdepends on the rules. Here are some examples of variances: A differentamount of cards can be dealt to each player (eg: 1,2,3,4,5 etc).

A different amount of community cards can be placed out the front (eg:0,1,2,3,4,5 etc).

Games can be played with or without community cards.

Community cards may be turned over all at once, one at a time or anyother combination depending on betting preferences.

Games can be played with no throwbacks or one or more throwbacks.

Players can throw back more than 2 cards.

Players can play against one another or play against the bank.

Include one or more wilds.

Exclude wilds.

Alternate rankings can be used (eg: 19,29,39,49,59).

Alternate hands can be used (ie: best 7 card hand out of 7 cards; eg:1,2,3,4,5,6,7). Rankings would increase accordingly.

More than one deck can be used.

A different amount of cards can be used eg: 0-59, 0-89, 0-99 etc.

When using more than one deck or more cards than 0-69, there can be morethan 10 players.

May include one or more betting rounds.

Games played against the bank: Payouts will vary depending on house edgeand casino preferences.

Progressive jackpots can be integrated depending on the casino.

Betting games can be played with limit or no limit.

While the present invention has been described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

‘Comprises/comprising’ when used in this specification is taken tospecify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or componentsbut does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more otherfeatures, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A set of playing tokens comprising: a sub-set ofplaying tokens, each playing token of the sub-set having: a firstnumeric value disposed on a first region of the playing token and havingexactly two digits, the first numeric value being in the range of “10”to “99” inclusive, and a second numeric value disposed on a secondregion of the playing token and having exactly one digit, wherein thesecond numeric value is equivalent in value to one of the two digits ofthe first numeric value.
 2. The set of playing tokens as claimed inclaim 1, wherein no two tokens in the sub-set indicate the same firstnumeric value.
 3. The set of playing tokens as claimed in claim 2,wherein the sub-set of playing tokens comprises 90 playing tokens. 4.The set of playing tokens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstnumeric value includes a first digit and a second digit, and wherein thesecond numeric value of each of the playing tokens is equivalent invalue to the first digit of the first numeric value.
 5. The set ofplaying tokens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first numeric valueincludes a first digit and a second digit, and wherein the secondnumeric value of each of the playing tokens is equivalent in value tothe second digit of the first numeric value.
 6. The set of playingtokens as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second sub-set ofplaying tokens, wherein each playing token of the second sub-setindicates a numeric value disposed on a first region of the playingtoken which is in the range of from “0” to “9” inclusive.
 7. The set ofplaying tokens as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a “luck”sub-set of playing tokens, each of which cards in the “luck” sub-setcarries an indicator which traditionally signifies luck.
 8. The set ofplaying tokens as claimed in claim 7, wherein the “luck” sub-setincludes three playing tokens.
 9. The set of playing tokens as claimedin claim 1, wherein the sub-set of playing tokens includes at least 50playing tokens.
 10. The set of paying tokens as claimed in claim 1,further comprising another sub-set of playing tokens including a tokenhaving a first numeric value of “100” disposed thereon.